Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to think of "wisdom" as the opposite of "disgrace," but this verse actually presents wisdom as the opposite of "pride." The truly wise aren't those who boast or seek recognition, but those who recognize their own limitations and humble themselves before God.
This proverb comes right after a section warning against dishonesty and the pursuit of ill-gotten gain, linking those actions to death. It then pivots to a broader contrast between two core character types, setting up pride versus humility as foundational choices that dictate one's path and ultimate outcome. The verses that follow continue this theme, exploring how integrity guides and perversity destroys, all under God's watchful eye.
Ever feel that urge to boast, to feel yourself above it all? The Bible paints a stark picture of what happens when that feeling takes over.
The verse says, 'When pride comes, then comes disgrace.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's presented as a natural consequence, like rain following clouds.
The Root of Ruin
Pride is more than just arrogance. It's a deep-seated belief in one's own superiority, often blinding us to our flaws and limitations. This self-reliance, this 'looking out for number one' at all costs, inevitably clashes with reality.
A Public Unraveling
The 'disgrace' that follows isn't just an internal feeling of embarrassment. It's a public unraveling, a loss of respect and standing. Think of historical figures or even people you know whose inflated self-image led to a spectacular fall from grace. They thought they were untouchable, but their pride became the very thing that exposed them.
God's Perspective
Scripture consistently shows that God opposes the proud (1 Peter 5:5). This divine opposition is the ultimate source of the disgrace – when you set yourself against the Almighty, your downfall is assured.
What if the greatest strength isn't in knowing it all, but in admitting you don't?
The second part of the verse offers a powerful contrast: 'but with the humble is wisdom.' This isn't saying the humble get wisdom; it suggests wisdom resides with them, that it's an inherent quality of a humble heart.
An Open Receptacle
Pride closes us off. We think we have all the answers, so we stop listening and learning. Humility, on the other hand, makes us receptive. We recognize our need for guidance, both from God and from others. This openness allows wisdom to take root.
Wisdom Beyond Intellect
Understand the original words
zadon · Hebrew Noun
An arrogant, haughty attitude that elevates oneself above others and, ultimately, above God. It is the root of sinful rebellion and leads to inevitable downfall, as it refuses to acknowledge dependence on the Creator.
tsenuim · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The state of being lowly in spirit, teachable, and submissive to God. It is the opposite of pride and is considered a virtue because it opens the heart to divine instruction and grace.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 11:2, stating 'Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall,' reinforcing the inevitable link between pride and ruin.
Luke 14:11Jesus himself teaches the principle behind Proverbs 11:2 when He says, 'For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted,' showing the divine perspective on humility and pride.
James 4:6James links God's grace to humility, stating, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,' which highlights why the humble possess wisdom and favor, while the proud fall.
Philippians 2:3This passage instructs believers to 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves,' underscoring the value of humility over self-exaltation, which Proverbs contrasts with wisdom.
pooleProverbs 11:2: "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; pride, as it is the effect of folly, so it bringeth a man to contempt and destruction, such persons being commonly hated both by God and by all men. With the lowly is wisdom; whereby they are kept from those foolish and wicked actions which expose men to shame.
ellicottProverbs 11:2: "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."
(2) Then cometh shame. —For they have not the grace of God to keep them from falling. (See above on Proverbs 6:17 .)
It's easy to think of "wisdom" as the opposite of "disgrace," but this verse actually presents wisdom as the opposite of "pride." The truly wise aren't those who boast or seek recognition, but those who recognize their own limitations and humble themselves before God.
This proverb comes right after a section warning against dishonesty and the pursuit of ill-gotten gain, linking those actions to death. It then pivots to a broader contrast between two core character types, setting up pride versus humility as foundational choices that dictate one's path and ultimate outcome. The verses that follow continue this theme, exploring how integrity guides and perversity destroys, all under God's watchful eye.
This proverb comes right after a section warning against dishonesty and the pursuit of ill-gotten gain, linking those actions to death. It then pivots to a broader contrast between two core character types, setting up pride versus humility as foundational choices that dictate one's path and ultimate outcome. The verses that follow continue this theme, exploring how integrity guides and perversity destroys, all under God's watchful eye.
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The wisdom here isn't just about being smart or clever. It's about having sound judgment, understanding how to navigate life rightly, and making choices that honor God. It's a practical, life-giving wisdom that protects us from the foolishness pride leads to.
The Foundation of True Honor
While pride seeks outward honor and often gets shame, humility seeks no honor but finds true wisdom. This wisdom then becomes the very foundation for lasting respect and a life well-lived, a quiet strength that doesn't need to announce itself.
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." — It's easy to think of "wisdom" as the opposite of "disgrace," but this verse actually presents wisdom as the opposite of "pride." The truly wise aren't those who boast or seek recognition, but those…